Question

So I'm going to buy a cat from a friend/roommate/coworker and I trust her and all, but people can turn around and stab your back in an instant. How do I make sure the cat is legally mine to make sure nothing bad happens a year down the line?

Answer

When ownership of an animal is transferred, ideally there would be a written agreement which is dated and signed by the parties and states that one named party is the sole owner of the animal and is transferring all ownership rights to the animal to the other named party. A description of the animal and payment information should be included. Microchip registration should be changed at the same time. Microchip companies will not usually change a registration without the registrant’s consent making it very important to make the registry change at the time that ownership is transferred. Veterinary and other ownership records should also be changed to reflect the change in ownership. It would be helpful to get copies of veterinary records too. Good luck with your new cat!

PLEASE NOTE: Responses to legal inquiries are not meant to replace seeking legal advice from an attorney in your state. The materials in this website and any responses to questions are for informational purposes only and are not intended, nor should they be construed, as legal advice. This website, the information contained herein, and any responses to questions directed to this column are not intended to create and do not establish an attorney-client relationship. You should not rely or act upon any information provided on this website or in any response to your inquiry without seeking the advice of an attorney in your state regarding the facts of your specific situation.

Send Your Pet Legal Question Now!

Elinor will field as many questions as she can and they will be posted here on this site. Due to the volume of questions received, not all questions are answered. However, many individuals have similar questions. You may find helpful information in the categories listed below.

Ask a Legal Question